Sprinkler system



Nov. 17, 1936.

J. E. WALLACE SPRINKLER SYSTEM Filed July 28, 1952 2? /7 /6 a 0 j /5 a 4, 13 140a 4 I //a //b 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN TOR.

JOHN EUGENE WALLAC E ATTORNEY.

Nov. 17, 1936.

J. E. WALLACE SPRINKLER SYSTEM Filed July 28, 1932 2 Sheets-$119912 I %1 IV%' JOHN EUGENE WALLACE INVENTOR.

- ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 17, 1936 TENT OFFIQE SPRINKLER SYSTEM John Eugene Wallace, Foxboro, Mass., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Francis V. McCarthy,

Lynn, Mass.

Application July 28, 1932, Serial No. 625,401

10 Claims.

My invention pertains to sprinkler systems for the protection of buildings from fire and has for its object to provide means whereby air may be more quickly exhausted from the piping of a dry pipe system, that water may enter the system from the source of water pressure supply.

Another object is to provide a quicker opening of the exhauster valve to the sprinkler head than has heretofore been obtained. 7

Another object is to provide greater travel of the exhauster valve than has heretofore been obtained whereby the capacity of the valve opening will be fully as great as the capacity of connected ports and pipes.

Another object is to provide a differential movement sensitive to pressure drop that will cause the exhauster valve to open and means co-related thereto whereby the pressure may be reduced without affecting the differential movement.

Another object is to close the openings of the exhauster to atmosphere when water pressure supply enters the system.

In the drawings that accompany and are made a part of this application: I

Fig. 1 is a section of the exhauster complete, as attached to the casing of a. dry valve in the riser of a sprinkler system indicated in fragment, which dry valve may be any one of the several types of dry valves using an inlet chamber, an intermediate chamber and an outlet chamber or pressure chamber, in which the valve clappers correlate in accordance with the various mechanical principles used in dry valve construction.

Fig. 2 is an optional construction of the operating valve as shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a section through the casing at right angles to Figure 1, showing the coaction of the valves.

Referring to the drawings I have indicated at l the inlet chamber of a dry valve as it would be installed in the riser of a sprinkler system, and at 2 the intermediate chamber of a dry valve having an outlet chamber or pressure chamber 3. Within the inlet chamber 2 is a clapper valve 4 holding water pressure in the inlet chamber I, and in turn is held closed by force transmitted from port control valve 5, which latter in turn is held closed by air pressure in the pressure chamber 3. The correlative means by which force is transmitted from the port control valve 5 to the clapper valve 4, used in this case, is through the medium of an arm rigid with the port control valve 5 downwardly projecting through the port and having at its lower end flexibly attached a strut which in turn projects down to an impingement on the assembly of the clapper valve 4 so that force from the port control valve, through the arm and strut functions to hold the valve closed against the pressure of water in the inlet chamber l and conversely if insufiicient pressure of air exists in the pressure chamber 3 the pressure of water in the inlet chamber will lift the clapper valve 4 to open position on its pivoting at the side of the port and in turn through the strut and arm the port control valve 5 will be forced open on its pivoting on the opposite side from the common axis of the valves, all in a manner that will readily be understood by those skilled in the art, whereupon water will pass through the valves to supply any requirements in the sprinkler system attached. Other correlative methods of transmitting pressure from a port control valve to a water clapper valve and vice versa in nowise alter the functioning of my invention.

On the casing 6 of the dry valve in which are the chambers I ,2, and 3 and valves 4 and 5 is mounted the casing l of an operating valve and the casing 8 of a secondary valve having a cover 9 of an opening for access to the secondary valve. The operating valve H] has a seat lilb in the casing l. The secondary valve l I is pivoted as at lid to the casing 8 and swings to its seat III) to close the exhauster vent to atmosphere. The operating valve ID has a stem 12 for holding it to its seat. The bonnet I3 is held to the valve casing 3 by a threaded ring M and is provided with lugs I3a and I31). On the lug |3Lt is pivoted a lever l5 having an adjustment screw l2al operatingagainst the valve stem I2 to get a sufiicient pressure for properly seating the operating valve l0.

On the lug [3b is pivoted a latch arm H5. The locking lever [B is of bell crank form and pivoted on the lug l3a. One arm carries the adjusting screw l2a and the other arm carries the latch H. The latch arm IE is pivoted on the lug I31) holding the locking lever 15 against the upward thrust of the valve stem I2. A latch ll holds the latch arm l6 against the thrust of the locking lever l5, being held in position by the rod 26a which projects through the lower side of the differential housing 2 I.

A port [8 leads from the intermediate chamber 2 into casing 8 of the secondary valve and the pressure chamber 3 is connected by a port l9 to the port of operating valve seat lilb. A passageway 20' leads from the chamber of the valve Iii through the casing 8 of the secondary Valve II to the discharge port lib of the exhauster. To the housing 2! of the diiferential movement controlling the exhauster is soldered a thin copper ring 22 to which is soldered the inner end of a flexible metal bellows 22a. The head 23 of the differential housing is tightly held against the copper ring 22 and the flange of the diiferential housing 2|. The movable diaphragm 24 within the housing is tightly soldered to the upper end of the flexible metal bellows 22a and carries a differential rod 24a which projects through the housing to engage the latch ll, being surrounded by a small flexible metal bellows 24h tightly attached to the diaphragm atone end and the other end tightly held to the d'iifer' ential housing head by the gland 240 which makes the stufiing box and packing customarily used under such conditions unnecessary. The reduction chamber in the dilferential housing is indicated at 25 and the retention chamber at 2B tlght ly sealed from the reduction chamber by the fiex= ible metal bellows 22a soldered to the diaphragm 24 and the ring 22. The differential housing and assembly is held to the valve casing in proper position for the differential rod 24a to engage the latch H by brackets 21 and 28. V

The pipe riser 29 supplies the sprinkler sys-' tern and a small pipe 30 conducts pressure frorn the riser to the differential system The pipe 3| receives pressure from the pipe 3|] and delivers it to the retention chamber 26 and the tank 3|aL, which tank may be an ordinary closed tank in communication with the retention chamber 26 through pipes 3|, 37a and port 31in the retentiOn chamber 26. The reduction chamber 25 re ceives pressure from the riser 29 through pipe 30 and port 36 in the reduction chamber 25. The pipe 3| receives pressure from the pipe 30 through the communicating pipe 34 in which is located the check valve 35 permitting fluid pressure to pass freely from the pipe 30 to the pipe 3| but opposing passage in the reverse direction. Quick distribution and equalizationof pressure throughout the differential system is thus obtained, the reduction from the riser 29 reaching the pressure chamber 25 by way of pipe 3|! and port 36 and reaching theret'ention chamber 26 and communicating tank 3|a by way of pipes 30, 34, 3|, 31a and port 31. In the event of a reduction of pressure in the riser 29 such reduction cannot communicate to the retentio'nchamber 26 by reason of the check valve 35, in the pipe 34, being opposed to passage of pressure towards the riser 29 but such reduction readily communicates to the pressure chamber 25 and a resulting difference of pressure is built up between chambers 25 and 26, called the differential pressure. Be= tween the pipe 30 and the pipe 3| is the coihmunicatir'ig' pipe 32 in Whih is located the Weighted check valve 33 permitting fluid pressure in excess of a predetermined amount to pass from the pipe 3| to the pipe 30 and thu'sl'y' preventing" diiferential pressures destructive to the metal bellows' 22a of the differential movement iii the" event of a sudden total reduction of ressure in the riser 29 as will happen when the sprinkler system is shut off after flooding by reason of the opening of one or more sprinkler heads because of fire or some other reason. The pipe 38 leads from the pipe 3| td the discharge connections and has a check valve 39 permitting passage of fluid pressure only towards the discharge connection. A pipe connection 40 is provided from port 40a in the ressure chamber 6f the valve to the discharge connection having a check valve permittirig' passage of fluid pressure from the pressure chamber 3' only towards the discharge corineotion. The discharge 42 is connected by a l fitting to the pipes 38 and 40 and has a shut-off valve 43 whereby pressure of water or air may be removed from the pressure chamber 3 without alfecting the differential movement of the exhauster.

The operation of the parts shown in Fig. 1 is as follows. Pressure in the riser of the system passes throughth'e pipe 30 to the pressure chamber 25 of the differential movement and through the pipes 34, 3| and 31a to the differential chamber 26 and to tank 3|a, equalizes at all three points, particularly in the pressure and differential chambers, so that there is no tendency for the diaphragm 24 to move the diaphragm rod 24a. This rod which projects from the differential housing to engage latch ll in position holds the latch arm |5 against pressure coming from the locking lever 6 in reaction from the pressure exerted on the valve stem |2 through the adjustment screw l2iz. It holds the valve Ill tightly seated ag'ai'nst pressure below the valve coming from the pressure chamber of the dry-valve through port I9.

The secondary valve stands open as shown, partially obstructing the port I 8 leading from the intermediate chamber of the dry valve and a free drainage from the intermediate chamber through port I8 and the casing 8 of the secondary valve to atmosphere results.

To prepare the exhauster for operation the water is drawn off the system in the usual way. A small drain-off (not shown) in the pressure chamber 25 of the diiferential casing is opened and the drain-elf valve 43 is opened to let water in the differential casing escape and to release any pressure that may remain held by the check valve 35 in the diiferential chamber 26, the heavy water pressiire having escaped through the weighted ehck valve 33.

The 'natural spring action of the diiferential bellows will push the differential rod 240) out of the imaging where it can engage the latch 11 and the operating valve |0 is now pushed down to its seat and the locking arm, latch arm and latch positioned as shown; The drainage openings are then closed arid the secondary valve is opened to position as shown. Pressure is now injected iiito the sprinkler system and from the riser will now through the pipe 30 into and equalize throughout the differential system. 7

the practical operation of a sprinkler system it is usual practice not to wait until the system has drained dry, the dry valve and exhauster being re-set ready for operation as soon as the heavy rush of drainage ceases and as a result water continues to rain down the riser and fill the pressure chamber 3 of the dry valve.- water; can be removed down to a properlevel at port 40d by opening the drainage valve 43, which will riot disturb the differential action because any excess of air pressure in the differential chamber 26 will exhaust through the pipe 38 and check valve 39 into' the common drainage pipe 42 through which water is discharging from the pressure chamber of the dry valve. 1

In the event that one or more sprinkler heads open because of fire or for any other reason, the air pressure in the system immediately reduces arid communicates such reduction to the riser and reaches" the pressure chamber 25 by way of the pipe 3n and port as. The check valve 35 in the pipe 34' preventssuelrreductien reaching the differential chamber 26', the original pressure re mam-mg therein and in the tank 31a.

The pressure in the chamber 25 having reduced one-fourth pound or more, the diaphragm 24 moves upward due to the original pressure in the differential chamber 26, sustained by the accumulated expansive pressure in the tank 3 la, and the diaphragm rod 24a attached to the diaphragm 24 is drawn back into the housing to release the latch II. This in turn releases the latch arm I6 and locking lever I5 to give freedom to the valve stem I2 and operating valve Ill.

The pressure in the pressure chamber of the dry valve through the port I9 will now lift the operating valve from its seat and rapidly exhaust through the passageway 20 and casing 8 of the secondary valve until there is not sufficient pressure in the chamber 3 to hold the valves 4 and 5 closed against the service water pressure in the inlet chamber I, whereupon the valves lift from their seats and water pressure passes into the intermediate chamber 2 and into the outlet chamber or pressure chamber 3 and flooding of the sprinkler system follows.

As soon as pressure water enters the intermediate chamber 2 it starts to vent itself through the port I8 into casing 8 which is open to atmosphere at the valve seat I Ib. The water coming through the port I8 is obstructed by the secondary valve I I and will throw the latter forward where it will also encounter exhausting pressure from the passageway 28 and with the assistance of gravity will be forced firmly to its seat I Ib whereupon all further exhausting action or venting action from the sprinkler system ceases.

While the equipment shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings and heretofore described represents a very practical form and convenient construction for most installations, it may be variously modified in details and arrangement of parts.

In Fig. 2 I have shown a modified form of control valve which may be substituted on the casing chamber. As shown it consists of an auxiliary valve casing having attaching flanges 5| and a valve seat 52 surrounding a port 53. The valve 54 has a stem 55 with an adjusting screw 56. The stem works through a bonnet 51 held by a shouldered sleeve 58. The valve discharges at 59 and may be connected up as at 20 to the system before described. The valve 54 is held by a trigger mechanism consisting of a bell crank lever 60 pivoted at El to a lug 62 on the valve casing. Its upper end is notched as at 63 for engagement with the pressure stem 24a. The opposite end of the bell crank is also notched as at 64 to receive the point of a detent 65 or a lever 66 pivoted at 67 on a lug 68 on the valve casing bonnet. The operation of this valve is at right angles to that shown in Fig. 1, but otherwise the movement of its parts and principle of its operation are the same.

Such modifications in detail in construction and arrangement of parts are to be understood as within the spirit of my invention as defined within the appended claims.

What I therefore claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a device of the class described as an adjunct to a dry valve having the usual inlet chamber, intermediate chamber and outlet or pressure chamber, the combination of an operating valve casing and a secondary valve casing communicating therewith including communicating ports from the operating valve casing to the pressure chamber and from the secondary casing to the intermediate chamber, a port in the secondary valve casing communicating with atmosphere, a valve pivoted in the secondary valve casing so that it will swing freely to alternative positions to partially obstruct the communicating port to the intermediate chamber and to close the port communicating with atmosphere when a rush of water from the intermediate chamber strikes the obstructing valve and throws it forward to fall to the alternative position of closing the portof communication to atmosphere, an operating valve interrupting communication from the pressure chamber to the secondary valve casing, the valve operating with a sliding stem whereby pressure from the pressure chamber can function to lift the valve to open position and means of applying pressure to the stem to hold the valve tightly closed against the pressure coming from the pressure chamber, as aforesaid, the said means consisting of a lever pivoted in position to be held by a latch in pressure against the stem in a manner whereby movement of the latch will release the lever to thereby enable the valve to .1

open.

2. In a device of the class described as an adjunct to a dry valve having the usual inlet chamber, intermediate chamber and outlet or pressure chamber, the combination of an operating valve casing and a secondary valve casing communicating therewith and attached to the dry valve casing, communicating ports from the operating valve casing to the pressure chamber and from the secondary valve casing to the intermediate chamber, a port in the secondary valve casing communicating with atmosphere, a valve pivoted in the secondary Valve casing so that it will swing freely to alternative positions to partially obstruct the communicating port to the intermediate 2 chamber and to close the port of communication to atmosphere when water rushing from the intermediate chamber strikes the obstructing valve and throws it forward to fall to the alternative position of closing the port of communication to atmosphere, an operating valve attached to a sliding stem, the valve interrupting communication from the pressure chamber to the secondary valve casing and so positioned that the valve is lifted from its closed position by direct pressure coming from the pressure chamber in the same direction as the movement of the valve, the valve stem sliding freely in the valve casing bonnet and guiding the valve to a seat under the bonnet to prevent escape of fluid pressure through the free guidance of the stem in the bonnet and means of applying pressure to the stem to hold the valve tightly closed against pressure from the pressure chamber, as aforesaid, the said means consisting of a lever pivoted in position to be held by a latch in pressure against the stem in a manner whereby movement of the latch will release the lever to thereby enable the valve to open.

3. In a device of the class described as an adjunct to a dry valve having the usual inlet chamber, intermediate chamber and outlet or pressure chamber, the combination of an operating valve casing communicating with a secondary valve casing attached thereto and having communicating ports from the operating valve casings to the pressure chamber and from the secondary valve casing to the intermediate chamber, and a port in the secondary valve casing communicating with atmosphere, an operating valve interrupting communication from the pressure chamber to the secondary valve casing, the valve attached to and operating with a sliding valve stem whereby pressure from the pressure chamber will function to open the valve, a locking lever in position to be held by an interlocking latch in pressure against the'valve stem to hold the valve closed in a manner whereby movement of the latch "will release the locking lever to enable the valve to open, a secondary valve operative to close the port communicating with atmosphere and pivoted in the'casing to normally stand in an upright position lightly-poised by gravity partially obstructing thecommunicating port from the intermediate chamber.

'4. In a device of the class described as anadjunct to a dry valve having the usual inlet chamber, intermediate chamber, and outlet or pressure chamber, the combination of an operating valve casing communicating with -a secondary valve casing attached thereto and h'aving'communicating ports from the-operating valve'casings to the pressure chamber and from the secondary valve casing to the-intermediate chamber, and a port in the secondary valve casing communicating with atmosphere, an operating valve interrupting communication from the pressure chamber to the secondary =valve casing, the valve attached to and operating with a sliding 'valve stem 'wher'ebypressure from the pressure chamber will function to open the valve, interlocking mechanism to apply force to the valve stem to hold the valve closed,'a secondary valve'operative to 'closetheport communicating with 'atmosphere and pivoted in the casing to normally stand lightly poised by gravity in an upright position partially obstructing the communicating portfrorn the intermediate chamber, said interlocking mechanism including a lugo'n the valve casing, a locking lever pivoted therein, a second lug on the valve casing, a latching arm pivoted therein, a latch movably attached to the locking lever and impinging against a rod." projecting from a diaphragm'housing to cause an interlocking or" the-latch, latching arm and locking lever with'resulting pressure on the valve stem "to hold the operating valve closed and means for releasing the interlocking as described.

5. A combination as set forth in claim 4 in which the means comprise a diaphragm'disc in the housing, a flexible metal bellows attached'to one end to the diaphragm disc and at the other "end to the'housingso as to divide the housing into two chambers, the "said rod being inside of the flexiblemetal "bellowsand attached t'o the dia- 'phragm disc and projecting from housing to form a stop fo'rholding said latch inan interlock release of which i'nterlock willrelease'the pressure o'nthe valve stem of the operating valve and peranemic mi-t it to-"operL said means for releasing the inter lock being "co'nstructedto cause movement of the diaphragm di's'c to 'd'raw "the attached rod back into the housi'ng, with results as aforesaid.

6. A combination as'set forth in claim 2, including s. housing, a roll, a diaphragm within the housing tightly dividing the interior into two chambers, the rod being rigidly attached to the diaphragm-and passing through the walls of the housing to engage said latch to cause an interlock holding the looking lever against the valve stem. I

7. In adevice ofthe class described, a housing, a diaphragm 'within the'h'ousing tightly dividing the iriterior 'int'o a'retentionchamber and a reduction chamber, a ro'd attached to the diaphragm and passing-through the "Walls of the housing, a

locking latch engaged thereby, a riser, means establi'shing communication between the riser and the "retentionchamber'and a check valve therein' openin'g in thedirection of the retention chamber, a second means establishing communication between 'th'eriser and'the retention chamber and 'having 'a weighted check'valve therein opening in the direction of the 'riser,means establishing free two-way communication between the riser and the reduction chamber whereby reduction of pressure in the r-iser and free two-way communicating reduction chamber causes pressure diffe'ren'ces in the two chambers, the'weighted check valve'being constructed to prevent excessive differences of pressurebetweenthe two chambers by opening and permitting flow from said retention chamber to theriser.

8. combination asset forth in claim 1, including, the 'saidlatch being pivoted to the said lever and'an 'adjus'tingscrew in'said lever contacting on the said'valv'e stem whereby predetermined pressure "can be 'applied'to thesaid valve stem for thepurpose described.

9. A combinationas set forth in claim 2 including, the'said Iat'chbein'g movably attached to an arm'of the said lever and supported in an inter- 

